The first phase of the $10bn Marsa Zayed project in the Jordanian Red Sea port city of Aqaba has been launched, Wam has reported. Under the project, Al Maabar, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi-based Al Maabar International Investments, will develop the mixed-use waterfront project, including high-rise residential towers, retail, recreational, entertainment, business and financial facilities along with several branded hotels. The project will be implemented in several phases once the transfer of land ownership is complete. Phase one of construction will commence by the first half of 2010 following the completion of the land survey and a series of technical studies which are currently taking place in coordination with Aqaba's local Authority, Aseza.